Delegating decisions to a lottery can reduce preference for control

We compare in a laboratory experiment preferences for control versus two different forms of delegation. Subjects solve tasks and choose to be paid based on their own answer, their matched partner’s answer, or a “choice lottery” that randomly selects between the two with equal probability. The standard preference for direct control prevails when the delegation is to a specific person. It disappears when the delegation is to a choice lottery. This suggests that resistance to delegation may be reduced when decision-makers can retain partial control by contributing to the choice even if only randomly. • In an experiment we compare preferences for control against delegation to another person or to a lottery mechanism. • While individuals display a strong preference for direct control when delegating to another person, this preference vanishes when delegating to a lottery. • Our results have policy implications in investment, procurement, promotions, recruitment, regulations, or resource allocation decisions.